Kitsap County sets hearings on mental health tax proposal

PORT ORCHARD — Kitsap County commissioners want to hear from the public before deciding on a proposed sales tax increase that would fund mental health services.

Meetings have been set for Sept. 9 in Port Orchard and Sept. 16 in Poulsbo. The Sept. 9 meeting will be part of the commissioners’ regular meeting that starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Ave. The Sept. 16 meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. at Poulsbo City Hall, 200 NE Moe St.

The meetings give people a chance to weigh in on a proposed 0.1 percent sales tax increase that would cost consumers 1 cent on a $10 purchase.

“We really hope for a robust attendance at the public hearings,” said Eric Baker, special projects manager for the county. “It is important for the board to hear from the public before taking any action of an issue of this significance.”

The county estimates the proposed tax increase would generate a little more than $3 million in revenues, with proceeds helping address Kitsap’s growing mental health needs.

If the tax increase is approved, a 17-member strategic planning committee would review data and recommend how the money should be spent. That recommendation would go to a citizen advisory committee, which would in turn make a recommendation to county commissioners. Commissioners have the final say in how the money will be distributed.

The earliest commissioners could vote on the proposed tax increase is Sept. 23. They are prohibited from deciding at the Sept. 16 meeting because it will not held in the county seat of Port Orchard.